"Tradition"

If you have read my blog for any period of time, it will come as no surprise to you that our family is big on "Tradition."  Usually, the traditions we have relate to holidays, like always making leek for holiday dinners, or singing Christmas Carols while we clean up after Thanksgiving dinner, or going en masse to see fireworks on the 4th of July.  Nothing particularly unusual or interesting....just habits we have developed over the years.  Some of them are more important to us than others, but if we repeat something for more than two years in a row....bang!  We've got a new tradition!

I have recently realized that we seem to have another tradition, that isn't so great.  In truth, it probably can't be classified as a tradition exactly.  It's more of a curse!  A mild one, but a curse nonetheless.

The women in my family seem prone to falling....and in the process of falling, manage to break something....usually a wrist!   For example:

*  I fell at age 11 and sprained my right ankle so badly the doctor said it would have been better if I had broken it.
*  Ratchlet fell off a horse when she was 11 and broke her right wrist. 
*  Maddie-the-Great fell during a soccer game at school when she was 8 and broke her left wrist.
*  I fell while roller skating at about age 25 and broke my right wrist.
*  I fell at a dance rehearsal at about age 42 and broke my right wrist AND my left elbow.
*  Little Sis fell at home while getting dress last week (her age is lots younger than mine) and broke her left wrist. 

M-t-G and her broken wrist
just in time for her First Communion!

Other than my additional elbow and ankle injuries, all the casualties of our falls have been the wrist!  Weak wrists must run in our family!  Or maybe we all fall in exactly the same way, i.e., putting out a hand (or 2) to catch ourselves.  Ergo, most of the weight is then borne by the wrist and voila, compression fracture!  In a cast for 4-6 weeks!  Major inconvenience! 

For those of us who are right handed and broke the right wrist (that would be Ratchlet and I), it is amazing all the things you cannot do with your right wrist out of commission.  Things like writing, holding a pen, picking up a telephone (the old style receiver), combing, washing, or styling your hair, putting on socks or hose, cutting your food, carrying anything heavy, driving stick shift, or typing with any speed whatsoever.  We got very inventive in finding new ways to do things!  Those breaking left wrists have a somewhat easier time of it.  For them, their "main" hand still works!

Luckily, our breaks were mainly simple or greenstick fractures not even requiring much in the way of manipulation to get the bone re-aligned before the cast was put on.  Little Sis was not so lucky.  She had to have it repaired surgically.  So she not only has a bone that must knit back together, she also has an incision that has to heal.  Major ouchie!!  Heal up quick, LS!

So as you can see, the females in our family have a tradition, or a curse, or just stupid bad luck that results in a similar experience we all go through.  It ain't fun and it's a pain we all could have done without.   

So far Little Sis's daughter has remained on her feet and has all of her bones intact!  I'm pulling for her to stay that way!  This is one tradition we really don't want to extend to any more of us!! 

"Life Upon the Wicked Stage"

We opened on Friday night and it was grand.  We had about 70 people in the audience and they were in a good mood and laughed in all the right places.  They even seemed to enjoy the second act more than the first (not unusual, plays are generally written to start a little slowly and build to the conclusion at the end of the last act.)   Because the audience was having a good time, the actors had a good time too.  There is usually an air of excitement both on-stage and back stage on opening night.  Opening night audiences are primed to like a show.  It is just something that happens practically every opening. 

Our audience was a really good one.  Not only did they laugh, they applauded at the end of each scene and for a good long time at the bows.  Heaven!

It is the tradition at this theatre company to have a small reception after the show on opening night.  There is a "meet and greet" with the actors and the audience is very happy to share their impressions of the show and the performances.   We provide nibblies and champagne (or cider) and the audience sticks around awhile to nosh and chat with the actors. 

I have been working with this group on and off for the last 8 years or so, but this was the first show I've done in nearly two years.   Many people in the group gave me lovely compliments on the performance, the show, and said they were glad to see me back on stage.  That is very gratifying.  Now admittedly, this audience was made up of a lot of season subscribers and "regulars", so I wasn't surprised by their nice comments (I have always received a warm response to my roles),  still it reminded me yet again how lovely it is to have a group of people tell you to your face how much they like you!

Now Saturday night was a bit different.  Firstly, it was a much smaller audience (only about 35-40).  As we all know laughter is contagious, but with fewer people there are fewer laughs (people don't laugh by themselves!) Nevertheless, they laughed, just not as much as Friday.  Although there was no reception after the Saturday show, most people like to come over to congratulate the actors and give their "reviews".

After doing theater for over 30 years (oh, wow, I'm older than dirt!), I have developed a theory on audience behavior, based on observation and experience over those years.  To wit:

Friday Night Audiences:    They have just finished their work week.  They are out for a good time.  They are relaxed and happy.  They pay attention and catch all the subtleties.  They laugh at everything and they love you.

Saturday Night Audiences:  They have spent the day doing a gazillion things errands, laundry, shopping, little league, and so on.  They are pooped.  They are slightly cranky and a little impatient.
They sit back in their seats, cross their arms, and look like they are thinking, "All right, I'm here, so entertain me!"  They will laugh and love you too....but not right away!  They make you work for it!!

Sunday Matinee Audiences:   There are many Seniors who come in groups from retirement homes and community centers.  They are quiet and polite. They seem to enjoy it but they don't laugh much.  They smile a lot, but they don't laugh.  However, after the show is over they will tell you it was the best thing they have ever seen!  But they don't laugh!

My theory played out to a tee for our opening weekend (although we didn't have a matinee). 

There was one odd occurrence Saturday night that I have never encountered before.  I open the second act on a telephone call.  It is essentially a fairly long monologue with pauses built in just like in a real phone call.  During the first 6 or 7 lines (and pauses) of the monologue, there were two women in the audience fairly close to the front who were having a full-voice conversation complete with laughing, at the same time I was doing the monologue!  They appeared to be totally oblivious to my presence!  I found myself having to speak over their voices which kind of threw me.  Of course, there was nothing I could do but carry on, but I was seething!  How rude!  Finally someone in the audience very loudly "SHHHHH-ed" them and they stopped but it was still very distracting.  I don't think it caused me to drop any lines, but it was tough.  Did they think they were watching a movie or TV???  I don't know, but they sure weren't watching me!  Strange.

After weeks of rehearsals four nights a week, it is odd not to be at the theater tonight, but we will have a speed line run on Thursday night and then 2 weekend performances.  There will be a total of seven more performances over the next three weekends.  Each weekend we complete is rather bittersweet, knowing that the number of performances remaining keeps dwindling.  One of the things I like the best about doing theater is that each production has a beginning, a middle, and an end. It is a scheduled cycle.  We have finished the beginning, finished the middle, and are on our way to the end.   That is the way it always goes, once we have opened we are on a countdown to the end....and that part always makes me sad.

"Comedy Tonight"

I got home from our final dress rehearsal at about Midnight and our show opens tonight (Friday).  I am glad to say, we are ready.  In fact, at this point we need to have an audience to respond to.  Without an audience there is nothing more we can do to improve it.  The energy that flows between actors and audience is an almost tangible thing and without it, a performance will always suffer from it's lack. We have a great cast.  The director did a fine job.  The Stage Manager is keeping on top of all the gazillion things he has to do.  Costumes are set, props are at the ready, the set is complete....in other words, it's time for curtain up!

I think it is a very funny show.  Actually, we all think it is a funny show.  Nevertheless, past experience has taught me that there are no guarantees in theater.  Something I think is screamingly funny, doesn't get a giggle from one audience, while a different audience will carry on like the show is a mix of the Marx Brothers, the Three Stooges, and Robin Williams.  There is no predicting how people react.  All we can do is present the lines in the best way we know how and hope for the best.

There is some confusion about who actually said this, but a very wise actor from some earlier era was heard to say on his deathbed, "Dying is easy.  Comedy is hard!"  Ain't that the truth!

Here's hoping for a great opening night....after all, its "Comedy Tonight"!!

The Senator and the Reporter

The "Private Eye" and the "Mortician"

The Senator

The Relatives

The Couple

The Crusader

All photos the work and property of http://www.crakephotography.com/

"Getting to Know You"

Well, okay, this post is really more about "Getting to know ME"  lol!  I've mentioned before how much I enjoy these quizzes and today it felt like one of those days.  So I hopped on over to Sunday Stealing here and in their time-honored tradition stole this meme.  Feel free to use it if you like, your choice....but I hope you enjoy it!

http://sundaystealing.blogspot.com/

Today we ripped off a blogger named Tense Teacher of the blog Tense for a Reason.  She does not say where she got it from. But, it was probably stolen there as well. So, of course, that will be as far as we go. Tracing back our theft's thieves might take some time. Take the time to comment on other player's posts. It's a great way to make new friends! Link back to us at Sunday Stealing!

Sunday Stealing:

The Never Ending Meme, Parts One and Two

1.  Song that always makes you sad?    "Slippin' Through My Fingers"  (from Mamma Mia soundtrack).  It is a beautiful, bittersweet song that I completely understand.

2  Last thing you bought?   A red purse for part of my costume needs.

3.  Last person you argued with?   The Big Guy, but, not to worry, we argue a lot....bicker, bicker, bicker.....it's one of our favorite activities!   LOL!

4.  Do you put butter before putting the peanut butter on?   No, but Mikey does!

5. One of your stuffed animals’ names as a kid?   I named my teddy bear, Teddy, I was so creative!

6.  One place you could travel right now? Anywhere I can get to by driving! I do not fly anymore.

7.  Favorite day of the week?   Since I've retired, any day I wake up  still breathing is my favorite!!

8.  Favorite sundae topping?   Hot Fudge!!  Is there any other kind?

9.  Did you take piano lessons?   No, but I always wanted to play piano.  I didn't want to "learn" how, I just wanted to KNOW how!   (lazylazylazylazylazy)

10.  Do you use umbrellas?   I have one located very handily in my car door.  I don't believe it has ever gotten wet!  (Thus, the answer would be NO.)

11.  Do you know all the words to the Canadian national anthem?   No, why ever would I?  I live in Texas!

12.  Favorite cheese?   Almost any food is improved by Cheddar cheese!

13. Do you prefer blondes or brunettes?   I loved being blond!  I'm more than a little sorry I gave it up.

14.  Best job you ever had?   I worked at Camelot for four years....(fodder for another post on another day.)

15.  Did you go to your high school prom?   No.  Nobody asked me.  Men!  Hmmppf!

16.  Perfect time to wake up?   About 7 hours after I go to bed.

17.  Perfect time to go to bed?   When I can't keep my eyes open one minute more.

18. Ever been in a car accident?   Yeah, darn it!  More than once.   Luckily, I have never been injured (nor has anyone else!)

19.  Closer to mom or dad…or neither?   My mom and I were very close, but I miss them both!

20.  What decade during the 20th century would you have chosen to be a teenager?   The 60s were the perfect time, I'm glad I lived then.

21.  Favorite shoes you have EVER owned?   When I was in my 30s I had several pair of absolutely killer heels, and the legs to show them off!  I loved them all, but my all time favorites are a black suede pump with a slim braid across the top, and a not-too-high heel with a slight flair at the bottom.  They are a great, sexy shoe!  I truly miss being able to wear great heels.  (But NOT the current style of sky-high platforms....they make my feet hurt just to look at them!!  They look ridiculous and no one can walk in them gracefully!)

22.  Do you have an article of clothing you have had since you were in high school?   Heavens No!  Do you know how old that would be???  Fabrics don't last very well over centuries, you know!

23.  Were you ever in a school talent show?  Yes, I sang (now there's a surprise!)  It was in college and I sang "I Can't Say No" from Oklahoma.  I didn't win, but they all laughed when they were supposed to!

24.  Have you ever written in a library book?   I've never written in ANY book!  And I haven't dog-eared a book since I was 11 years old!

25.  Allergic to?   The only thing I might possibly be allergic to is scallops.  This is unconfirmed, but twice I was violently ill very soon after eating them.  I will never eat them again!

26.  Favorite fruit?   The forbidden one!  :)

Cheers to all of us thieves!

  

"Another Openin', Another Show"

As of tomorrow I will be officially one week away from "Another Openin', Another Show".  It's been a couple of years since I've done a show and I have missed it desperately.  I am looking forward to being back where I belong. 

I have been acting in theaters for over 30 years.  I've had wonderful experiences, and not so wonderful experiences.  The company of actors, staff people, tech people together are responsible for what happens on stage.  In general, they have a combined commitment to do the best they can, whether it is a Broadway show, a professional touring company, or your local community theater. 

During my 30 years in "show biz", I have encountered all sorts of audiences and sometimes I'm not sure that those audiences really understand what theater is.  So in case, you are contemplating going to see a show anytime soon (which I heartily encourage!!), here are some things you should know.

You may not be aware of this, but live performance means exactly that...it's live with real people up on the stage actually saying the lines, moving around, trying their best to entertain you.  It is not a movie or television.  It is not being broadcast from something that was filmed at another place and time.

Nope, those people you see  (the actors) are truly right there, creating a reality for you to enjoy....and we can see you and hear you!  We can see people coming in 10 or 15 minutes after the show begins.  We can see the guy texting in the third row.  We can hear the couple carrying on a conversation in the middle of the show.  Actors can see if your hubby nods off or looks around and fidgets during the whole show.  We can hear you rummaging around in your purse for something.  We can hear you coughing or sneezing.  We can and often do find all that distracting, annoying, or just rude. 

We are up there after weeks of rehearsals, running scenes over and over to get them as good as we can make them.  We work hard!  We practice dances and songs until our toes bleed or we lose our voices.  We memorize pages and pages of dialogue.   Truth be told, we love it and that is the main reason we do it, but we do it for you too!  An audience can make or break a show.   Without an audience there is no point in doing what we do.  We love having an audience, but we love some audiences better than others.  Here are some things that make a great audience:


*  If you find a scene or a line funny, go ahead and laugh....please! 

*  Tears are okay too!  However, except in the case of a melodrama where you have been instructed otherwise, talking back to the actors is an absolute NO-NO!

*  Please arrive early enough to get to your seat with a minimum of disturbance to other patrons.

*  Most theaters will try very hard to have "Curtain Up" at no more than 5 minutes after the announced curtain time.  Please respect that by arriving well in advance of the start time.

*  Some things beyond your control can make you late for "Curtain up"!  These things happen.  The ushers may bar your way into the theater until such time as your entering will not disturb the integrity of the scene.  This is what they have been instructed to do.  Please cooperate with them.

*  If refreshments are allowed in the theater, please keep the opening and crinkling of candy bags as soft as possible.  If refreshments are not allowed, please don't try to sneak it in.  There is good reason to keep food in the lobby.

*  DO NOT bring phones, pagers, or the like into the theater unless they are muted!  This is important.  A phone ringing in the middle of a dramatic scene from Hamlet is wrong on so many levels! 

* If you become ill, or have a need to leave the theater for any reason, if possible try to leave during intermission.

*  By  all means read and enjoy the program we give you....but do so at intermission. 

*  Please do not bring young children to a show that is not appropriate for them to see!  Many shows are directed toward children, but many are not!  In fact, many are clearly adult in nature and children should not be in attendance at all.  If in doubt contact the theater before you make plans to attend.  The staff will be happy to help you.

*  If you do bring a child to a show, please remove him/her from the house immediately if he begins to cry or misbehave.  

*  At the end of the show (and at the end of scenes) please show your appreciation by your applause.  In many cases this is the only payment actors ever get!

There are a few specific things that relate to community or independent theaters:

* If you really enjoy a show, tell your friends!  Encourage them to see it too!  Word of mouth is the best advertising we can get.  This is particularly true for independent and/or community theaters.

*  If you feel so inclined, make a donation to the theater.  Many theaters are not-for-profit organizations that run on a shoestring.  Your financial help can help keep them going!

*  If you think doing a show looks like fun, that's because it is fun!!  Volunteers are always welcome! There are a lot of ways to help and you don't ever have to go on stage unless you want to! . 

*  Most importantly, don't go to just one show!  Sign up as a subscriber or buy a season ticket, or at the very least come back any time there is a show you'd like to see....and there is always "Another Openin', Another Show",  I guarantee it!